I want to say a few words about this Kickstarter Campaign, it has overwhelmed me, surpassed my wildest dreams and left me very humbled.

When I crunched the numbers, for me to publish a big book on my own dime, I simply couldn't afford it. I had certain publishers approach me to do a big book during the past few years....they would publish it, and of course, make all the money. But I wanted to do it my way. I never had a real agent during my career, I never particularly cared for someone telling me what to do (art directors were enough), so I have done it all my way the best I could.

I was worried about this Kickstarter project, I didn't want to be the first guy to loose money on Kickstarter . I was hesitant on the whole deal. I knew I had fans out there, because I have attend a lot of conventions over the past 25 years, but I didn't really know just how many and I didn't know just how strong and true they were. It really takes your most dedicated "hardcore" fans to pull off a project like this. I didn't know if there were that many---"left". Even though I still paint every day if possible and I will paint and draw until I die.

I basically got out of the publishing world a few years ago and lately I have been painting my own work and selling the originals. I love it. But I know that many fans have missed my work being published on books and game covers. I guess some of you thought I had "retired"!!! Well, I haven't! I never will. I worked as an illustrator for over 40 years, now I am ready to do my own work.

...............

This is how crowdfunding is positively affecting the lives of many artists like Larry Elmore.

Now he can cash in on HIS EQUITY.

Man, I'm so happy and stoked about this! It's great to see artists succeeding at this level!

This has been a special year. Especially over the past few months since August when I realized the extent of what was happening with crowdfunding. And it's only increased since then!

If this is any indication of what the community can look forward to in the future I welcome it with open arms!

A very well deserved congratulations to Larry Elmore!

Thanks also for setting yet another successful and inspiring crowdfunding model!